Timeless Australian Wedding by Angela Higgins

There's just something to be said about Australian weddings. They're so sweet and genuine and always so beautifully styled and orchestrated. This wedding sent over by the fabulously talented Angela Higgins is no exception either. I just about squealed with excitement when I first looked through the gorgeous photos and then when I found out the bride's name is Pippa, I was completely sold. It's official I am obsessed with Australia. And anything remotely close to relating to the Royal Wedding. And this wedding. This wedding and its guest list of under 20 people, the radiant bride, that skinny tall simple wedding cake, those pretty flowers, and that pink bow. You know I am a sucker for bows. Le sigh. Scroll through all the loveliness guys and you'll see what I mean. 

{From Pippa, the beautiful bride} All we wanted was a fuss-free relaxing time for us and our families so we chose Yallingup for our wedding location because of its wonderful wineries, beaches and food. As we live in Singapore, the whole wedding was arranged via email and we booked everything sight unseen! There were 18 guests (our families) in total and we wanted to create an intimate affair without too much pomp and ceremony. There was no theme for our wedding, and most details just evolved from things we loved. We really wanted to keep things simple and let the natural beauty of the location shine through.

We chose the ceremony locations because of it's beautiful chalets (which we stayed in) and garden, as we wanted an outdoor ceremony. We started to second guess this a few days before when we found out that it was going to be 38 degrees. Thank goodness we had brought fans! After the ceremony we enjoyed champagne, wedding cake, and canapes in the garden. There was also a bocce set to keep the kids (and adults) occupied while we were having photos taken. A bus transported our guests and us to the nearby restaurant for dinner where we had use of a private room and deck for dinner. Everyone was able to choose their own meal and drinks which the guest really appreciated. The food, wine and service were outstanding.

There were so many wonderful parts of the day including our highly entertaining Minister who conducted the ceremony, my Dad lending me $20 because I forgot my 'something borrowed,' and the impromptu speeches after dinner. The most wonderful thing though, was that we were now husband and wife :) One of the best things about having a destination wedding is that in the future, we will get to come back to Yallingup for holidays and relive the beautiful memories of our day all over again. 

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Photographer: Angela Higgins Photography / Brides dress: Renee L Collections / Brides shoes: Witchery / Hair styling: Solutions for Hair / Make up: Duo Makeup / Ceremony Venue: Chandeliers on Abbey / Reception Venue: Lamonts / Floral/Event Coordinator: Vintage Bloom / Cake: Edible Art 

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Intimate DIY Wedding by Onelove Photography

When I first opened this darling submission I almost did five cartwheels in.a.row across my living room carpet; and lemme tell ya, I have a really great cartwheeling technique. I blame it on the purple tones throughout this wedding, the sweetly made handmade touches and that adorable little pink hued cottage (which I need to live in like asap) all blended together to create the dreamiest DIY affair imaginable. The incredibly ah-mazing Sara from Onelove Photography sent this gem over to me and tells me that to ensure an intimate and warm celebration, Brooks the bride, selected a hidden, rustic Napa/Santa Rosa Bed and Breakfast as the venue and did most of the wedding day decor herself. Uhm Brooks, I don't think you could have done it any better than this. But that's enough out of me blogettes (like you're even reading this anymore), go frolic in the prettiness already. Happy a fabulous rest of your Wednesday everyone! 

{What were some important DIY elements?} Since our wedding was small and intimate we wanted to incorporate our family into our day. We both have family members that are no longer with us and we wanted them to be remembered as well. There are so many people that help you on your journey in life and allow you to get to a place of happiness and love. The 'family tree' was our way of honouring and celebrating those people, the ones still with us and those passed on. We got to go through lots of old and fun pictures, so did our parents and it was a fun project all around. Everyone seemed to love it at the wedding as well.

{Do you have any fun or interesting stories from your planning process?} Not so much any fun stories but I did start out with very high DIY expectations of myself, then quickly realized how much there was to all this wedding planning. So I spent a good deal of time cruising Etsy and found lots of fun touches to add (like the chalkboard candles, the paper hearts garlard, gifts, etc).

{What the most memorable moment from your big day?} I know I've said 'perfect' a few times already but honestly when Trevor and I talk about that day we are both still thrilled. It was a perfect day, I wouldn't redo anything. We talked about it and one of our favourite moments was during the ceremony reciting our vows. We wrote the ceremony together and tried to give it as much of ourselves as possible. So on our wedding day we were truly opening our hearts to each other and all of our family and friends. We also really had fun with the photo booth/guest book. The little props were so cute and everyone had a blast taking pictures and writing in our guest book! We did get a great tip from our fabulous photographer for the camera and album combo!

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Photographer: Onelove Photography / Venue: The Gables Inn / Hair: Salon Miel, Ledora Francis / Cake/Desserts: Ann Walker (personal strawberry shortcakes) / Caterer: Ann Walker / Dress Designer: Amy Kuschel / Floral Designer: Dragonfly Floral / Groomswear: J Crew and Converse / Lighting: JRB Event Services / Shoes: Dessy / Stationary: Wedding Paper Divas / Bridesmaids dresses: J Crew

{Wedding Paper Divas is an official sponsor of the Hey Gorgeous blog}

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Friday Wrap Up

Thank the glorious heavens. It's Friday. Did anyone else catch this incredibly stunning lavender wedding via Style Me Pretty this week? Sent in all the way from Australia (of course, they always have the most gorg weddings) every little detail was perfectly accented by the dreamy photography of Samm Blake. Don't even get me started on those lavender bouquets the maids carried too. I bet the air smelled heavenly all. flippin. day. long. I may have a new soft spot for the colour purple. And lavender. And Australia. Just sayin.

In other news, turns out Andrew and I didn't get the condo we put on offer in on two weeks ago (bummer) but are finally making the move to Grand Rapids, in just two more weeks. We found a little two bedroom apartment with a fireplace that will serve as our temporary home while we narrow down locations to build on. I've argued with him that it's neccesarry for us to build so I call wallpaper one of the walls in my office. Is that tacky? Or outrangeously cool? I think the latter. I've fallen in love with wallpaper these days. And in case you missed any of the gorgeousness around here this week, no worries. I've summed it up for you here. Lucky ducks!

{Monday} Dreamy light, incredibly photography and the best kind of love. Sigh.

{Tuesday} My not so professional but very valuable insight on branding yourself. 

{Pep-Talk} Thinking of removing someone from your wedding party? Read this.

{Wednesday} This week's Expert Files. Vintage Furniture Rentals. Enough said.

{Thursday} My most fave wedding to date went up on Thursday. Perfectly gorg.

{FAQ Friday} The spark notes versin on infusing personality into your big day.

Anyone have exciting plans for the weekend?

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Romantic Milwaukee Bistro Wedding by Avery House Photography

This right here my friends, is hands down one of my most favourite weddings to date. The minute I laid eyes on the soft, simplistic photos by Matt and Stevi, the masterminds behind Chicago-based Avery House Photography, I fell completely in love. On Tuesday, I briefly touched on the subject of branding, how important it is to build a brand and for me, how building my brand means showcasing weddings that best fit my styling and aesthetic preferences. And Rachel and Carlos had a wedding day celebration that couldn't better fit everything I love about a wedding and wedding photography; the most romantic of details, beautiful flowers, soft lighting and the most tender and pure form of love. I hope you adore the photos as much as I do. This right here, is absolute wedding perfection in my eyes.

Rachel you are stunning. Just stunning! And those purple things that look like leaves? Rachel informed me that they are actually strips of ribbon flipped underneath of the flower arrangements. So clever. I love.

I adore the photo of Rachel below smelling her bouquet. Canvas please? Admit it, that's what you were thinking too.

Happy Groom alert. Check it out.

{Carlos and Rachel's Love Story} I don't consider it much of a "love" story but I am very thankful for my husband. We met in August 2008 at a church I used to attend. I talked to a lot of people there so when he was a newcomer it didn't seem awkward to talk to him. We talked a few times but I never thought much of it. One evening I was checking with a few friends to see what plans had been made for the night. We decided to go mini golfing and called around a dozen people. The only person who responded back to come was Carlos. That meant it would be my two friends Gabe and Becky, who were engaged and Carlos and myself. I told them, please don't make this awkward for him since he is new. I didn't want him to feel like we set him up. As the night went on I realized how much fun I was having (and I don't usually have fun mini golfing, seriously). The four of us went to go get a burger and ice cream afterwards. Carlos and I ended up sharing two hamburgers (cheese and ketchup only, gross, I like the works), fries and ice cream. We all said our good byes and headed home. Not any more than 1 minute after pulling out of the parking lot, Carlos called me to ask if I'd like to go to the zoo the next day. Not knowing his motives, we had an enjoyable three hours together. Ever since out first 'dae' we hung out just about every day. Officially we started dating October 18th, 2008, got engaged five months later on March 31, 2009 and married on July 10, 2010. I couldn't have asked for it to happen any easier. I am still very in love.

{Advice to Future Brides} Leave enough time between the engagement and the wedding to be able to enjoy your relationship and life. You shouldn't have to feel stressed out because you don't have enough time to 'do life.' I had 14 months to plan and it was perfect. Remember to find enough pictures of the things you love and then narrow it down from there to decide what you want your day to be like. Stick to it and do whatever you can to make it work. I wanted three vases at each table and peonies in my wedding. My florist and I discussed the cost which was way too expensive so we made it work - she found a garden rose that looked exactly like a peony (I loved it even more!) and I went to six thrift stores to find 110 milk glass vases which averaged to to less than $1.00 each. I wanted a sit down dinner and I wanted the venue to match my wedding style (not a hotel with maroon carpet and blue padded chairs) so I looked around and found the restaurant. We paid for a food and beverage minimum, no rental fee. The food was tremendous! And worth every penny - taste, appearance, portion size, everyone was talking about the food (and still is nine months later). Set a budget. Decide up front what the most important features of your wedding are and make sure that is where your money is spent. Research the vendors you are interested in and make sure you meet with them face to face. It you aren't satisfied with them initially, find someone else.

{Fun Facts} I planned the whole wedding all by myself. No wedding planner. My biggest help was the binder I made. I wouldn't have been able to do it if I wasn't so organized. There are plenty of online resources for you to print off and use as budget helpers, vendor lists, etc. Also, the first time I saw my dress with the jacket, my veil and the pieces and my hair together was the morning of my wedding. I am thankful everything turned out well together. I also made sure I had enough money needed so I didn't pay with credit.

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Caterer and Venue: Lake Park Bistro / Photographer: Avery House Photography / Florist: Michelle Herman, Moss Floral / Photobooth: Mugshotz Photobooth / Cake: Stephanie Rauch, Cakes by Stephanie / Hair flowers: Fallen Sparrow / Groomswear: Mitchell Street Menswear / Hair: Eric of Norway Salon / Dress: Eva's Bridal Center / Stationary: created by the bride and printed through Vista Print

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Purple Winery Wedding by Allyson Magda

There's no doubt that we all love a gorgeous winery wedding. Something about the tranquility and simplicity of nature, and the sophistication of good wine paired together to celebrate love, makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. When this gem of a celebration was sent to me, I knew it was the perfect fir for the blog. Throw in the most incredible florals by Adornments (check this out my friends, succulents are still holding their position as one of the seasons hottest flower trends), an adorable bride and groom and dreamy, soft images by the always fabulous Allyson Magda and I am one happy girl. Scroll on to catch all the beauty.

That chair! Where could one be lucky enough to find such a fabulous chair. So perfect.

Allyson said that Natalie was one of the most fun brides she's shot before. She described her like a 'party waiting to happen in a bride,' I love that in a woman. Isn't that what it's all about anyways? And tell me, how perfect is this back drop for the ceremony. Nevermind fancy backdrops and DIY projects. Those trees are incredible and the yummy natural light streaming in and over the bridal party is like a little slice of heaven.

A few portraits of the super styling couple. My fave is the top left image. I love delicious lighting.

Reception florals, I love. I swoon.

The wedding was held at Adelaida Cellars in California and one thing I love about winery weddings is the big wood wine barrels that are often the backdrop for photos. There's something so rustic, organic and romantic about wine so getting married in a place that's all about the good stuff is so fitting. P.S. you know my love of sweetheart tables; how cute are these two in their own little space? Looks like it was such an amazing celebration of their undeniable chemistry and love.

For more from the ever-so-talented Allyson check out her work via her blog here, where you can find tons of eye-candy and visual inspiration. There's also tons of loveliness not to be missed over on her very pretty website here. She's such a sweetheart too! Enjoy the rest of your day everyone. Can anyone out there attest to how gorg a winery wedding really is? Regardless of where you live, what are some of the best wineries to get hitched at? (I'd love some new suggestions and referrals for both wineries in the US and Canada!)

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Glam Toronto Wedding by Elizabeth Kaye

Getting the opportunity to collaborate with insanely talented vendors in the wedding industry is by far the best part of putting together an Inspiration Shoot. I first came across Beth of Elizabeth in Love when I was searching for photos of weddings that had taken place at our venue. I wanted a feel for how our photos would end up looking and a Google search turned up some of Beth's photos. That led me to her blog, which lead to a couple months of blog-stalking (oops sorry Beth, I had to confess!), followed shortly by an e-mail from me expressing my interest in working with her and to make a story short, here we are today; regular text buddies, meeting in person to discuss our shared love of weddings over Starbucks and to bring together our visions for this shoot in two weeks. To think we have so much in common, have been living only 20 minutes from one another and even graduated from the same arts institution is most likely a sign we were meant to be friends. Life's funny like that.

Beth photographed Meg and Grayson's wedding at St. Gabriel's Terrace in Toronto, Ontario. Meg is one of the most stunning brides I've ever seen; she has such a fab retro glam look. And Grayson isn't too shabby either :) Their purple-hued affair was loaded with personal touches (her veil? handmade by the bride's sister) and little details to represent their relationship (like the handcuffs adornments to celebrate Grayson's resent career achievement of becoming a police officer). Beth's niche with her art is really showcasing a bride - and groom - in a light that highlights their absolute best on their wedding day. To capture them in a way where they can look back on their photos and say "Wow, is that really me?" I think it's safe to say you did just that with this wedding, Beth. Scroll down for more loveliness, my blogettes! 

Remember how I said Meg was totally gorgeous and oh-so glam? And remember how I said Beth prides herself on capturing timeless and drool-worthy portraits of her clients? Check this stunner out. What a beauty. I love her giant structured bun and beautiful makeup. I wish I could post all of the incredible portraits of Meg, every.single.image is spectacular and perfect.

How sweet is the lace wrapped through the shoes and tied in bows?

And there's her veil. The one her loving sis made for her!

Meg and Grayson decided to do a first look so they could get lots of portraits done with just the two of them prior to their ceremony and reception. With a first look, there's less of a rush between the ceremony and party so brides and grooms can take time to enjoy their wedding day and guests rather than worrying about getting the best shots. How lovely is this moment between the soon-to-be newlyweds? We did a first look at our wedding; what are your thoughts on this? Did you do one or are you planning to at your wedding?

OK I have to comment on how fierce the bridesmaids look in these next few photos. I loved having my girls wear LBDs for versatility, comfort, affordability and I wanted their distinct shoe choice to really stand out. But these long purple frocks are so dreamy and lovely. Check out the shoulder detail that totally coordinates with the bride's gown too. Tied in with the rest of the purple decor and statement pieces placed around the reception (how gorg are those white floral pedestals) this wedding is so pretty.

 Build Your Own Pasta Station? My kind of wedding for reals.

And they lived happily ever after!

Thanks Beth for the fabulous feature. I heart your work but most of all I heart you! I am entirely grateful to have met you and really cannot describe how talented, sweet and passionate you are. Any couple who hires this girl is very lucky to have her as their photog as your guaranteed to get not only downright-gorgeous photographs but you'll score a vendor who you're sure to call a friend.

Hopefully everyone is settling back into their routine after a nice long weekend holiday. I am so thankful that you are all  sticking around here on my little blog when I've been a bit MIA lately. I spent some time in Michigan with Apb for the past long weekend and turned off the laptop for a few days which was a must-needed break from technology. As a result, I'm a bit swamped with this shoot and wrapping up the end of the semester at work but there are more goodies to come here soon, I promise! Enjoy your night, lovelies xo

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Dreamy Farm Wedding by Jagger Photography

Sometimes it rains on your wedding day. Sometimes the clouds come out to play. And sometimes, mister sunshine shows his pretty little face and drenches you in complete gorgeousness like it did on Candise and Paul's big day. The uber-talented and super fun Heather and Grayson from Jagger Photography were on hand to capture all the gorgeous details and yummy light. The wedding was held on a farm in Moorpark, California and the ceremony actually took place in a walnut orchard. The light streaming through the trees in the orchard was, well, look at the photos and see for yourself. I don't think words could possibly do these beauties justice! Thank you Heather and Grayson for gracing this blog with your lovely and inspiring images :)

The simple yet stunning detail that went into the flower arrangements and the decor is one element of this wedding that really melts my heart. I love the organic, rustic and textured feel of the flowers in Candise's bouquet and some of the flowers in the various arrangements are varieties I've never even seen before. Any floral gurus out there know the name of those small pink little poofs in the hanging jars? Love em. It's so refreshing to see florals in a wedding that aren't traditionally used.

Did you see the bride's fab shoes too? Nothing like a little sparkle under your gown. And what about the incredible floral design on the bridesmaid's sassy one-shoulder dresses? Now that my friends and bridesmaids-to-be, is a gown you can and definitely will, wear time and time again. Kudos to you Candise for having such a rocking sense of style (Not to mention the groomsmen and groom look pretty handsome in their gray suits and contrasting striped ties. Love it all you guys!)

Just married! What a sweet photo, capturing so much emotion. Ah! And those pink little poofs! What are they??

If you look closely on the cake you can see two pictures of cats. These are the adorable couple's pets. I love that they incorporated such an important part of their lives into a tiny detail of their big day. And how can I not mention the glorious button detailing on the cake. Sigh. So perfect (Cool FIY, there's a very funny photo here of a bunch of kids stuffing their faces with a piece of this exact cake. Just sayin')

To see more from Candise and Paul's big day check out the full post here on the Jagger Photo Blog. There are so many more fantastic portraits of the couple including some rad shots in a pumpkin patch. Hope everyone is having a lovely and happy middle-of-the-week Wednesday! Do something inspiring today and be back tomorrow with more gorgeousness :) *UPDATE - the little pink pouffs are called Snow Berries. Thanks Heather for letting me know!

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